Nearly 80 individuals have been arrested for immigration-related violations as part of a recent enforcement action in the Rio Grande Valley, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The operation, called Operation Pick-Off, is a multi-agency effort targeting individuals involved in immigration violations and violent crime across Cameron, Willacy, Hidalgo, and Starr counties. The initiative began on August 22 and continued through the weekend.
“For those that want to come to this country without permission and then victimize American citizens once here, we are more than happy to accommodate them with a stay at a federal facility, followed by a one-way ticket home,” said Ganjei. “SDTX will not rest until we’ve brought Operation Pick-Off to each and every one of the Southern District’s 43 counties. If you’re here illegally and you commit crimes in our community, you can expect a visit from us, and that visit is going to come sooner rather than later. This is what Operation Take Back America looks like.”
Authorities report that out of the total arrests, 65 individuals were allegedly found in the country illegally after previously being removed. These individuals were reportedly serving probation terms for state crimes including drug offenses, human smuggling, fraud, burglary, and assault. If convicted on current charges, most could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Two additional people were arrested on misdemeanor warrants related to avoidance of examination or inspection by immigration officers while also being on state probation for other crimes. Another 11 people were identified with similar immigration-related violations and are expected to be removed from the country immediately.
In support of Operation Pick-Off, the FBI provided extra resources through its Summer Heat initiative alongside other law enforcement partners.
“Today’s threats are too complex, too dangerous, and too widespread for any one agency to handle alone. That’s why the FBI joined forces with its law enforcement partners to launch a bold, coordinated strike,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI – San Antonio Field Office. “Operation Pick Off stands as proof of what that unity can achieve, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protecting our southern border.”
“This operation reflects the strength of coordinated law enforcement at every level,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jason E. Schneider of Border Patrol – Rio Grande Valley Sector. “Through close collaboration we successfully targeted and apprehended individuals who posed a threat to our communities and national security. This mission underscores our commitment to securing our borders and upholding the law through multi-agency operations.”
The primary agencies investigating this matter include the FBI and Border Patrol working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Other agencies involved were Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations; U.S. Marshals Service; ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Texas Department of Public Safety; and IRS Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys from both Brownsville and McAllen Divisions are handling prosecution efforts.
This operation forms part of Operation Take Back America—a national initiative aiming to counter illegal immigration activities as well as organized criminal groups using resources from programs such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-ocdetf-mission-statement-overview-of-programs-projects-initiatives-and-task-forces.html—and Project Safe Neighborhood https://www.justice.gov/psn/about-project-safe-neighborhoods.html—which focus on reducing violent crime across communities nationwide.
Authorities noted that criminal complaints are formal accusations only; defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty through legal proceedings.
